Regions 22 September 2026

English sparkling wine exports reach record levels in 2026

Export growth +18% year-on-year

Top markets USA, Sweden, Norway

Key varieties Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Meunier

Main regions Kent, Sussex, Hampshire

Wine GB, the trade association for English and Welsh wine, has reported that exports of English sparkling wine grew by 18% in volume year-on-year in 2026, reaching a new record high. The United States remains the largest single export market, followed by Sweden and Norway — both markets with high consumer spending on premium wine.

Total English wine production reached approximately 15 million bottles in 2025, of which around 70% is sparkling, produced predominantly from Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier — the same three varieties used in Champagne. The majority of vineyards are concentrated in Kent, Sussex and Hampshire, where the underlying chalk geology mirrors that of the Champagne region.

Why the export growth is significant

Until around 2010, English wine was largely a curiosity — production was small, inconsistent and unknown outside the UK. The combination of climate warming, significant capital investment in new wineries and vineyards, and a string of well-regarded vintages has transformed the category in under two decades. Export success signals that English sparkling wine is now competing on quality rather than novelty in markets with highly educated wine consumers.

The OIV has noted in its annual state-of-the-sector reports that climate change is enabling commercial viticulture at latitudes previously considered too cold. England is one of the most visible examples of this shift, along with parts of Denmark, Belgium and southern Sweden. For more on how climate shapes wine style, read Cool and warm climate styles.

What to drink

If you are exploring English sparkling wine for the first time, look for bottles labelled with a vintage year and the grape varieties on the back label — this indicates a producer transparent about their process. Serve at 6–8 °C (see the serving temperature tool). If you are unsure whether a dry sparkling style suits you, the style questionnaire takes under three minutes.

Source: Wine GB, September 2026. OIV global data: oiv.int. Traditional method reference: Comité Champagne. Published 2026-09-22. Corrections via the contact form.

Questions

About English wine.

Why can England now produce good sparkling wine?

The English climate has warmed enough to ripen the classic Champagne grape varieties — Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Pinot Meunier — to the level needed for quality sparkling wine. Crucially, the chalk soils of Kent, Sussex and Hampshire are geologically similar to the chalk of the Champagne region in France. Cool temperatures preserve high natural acidity, which is essential for a fresh, long-lasting sparkling wine base. The OIV has published research on how warming growing seasons are expanding viable wine regions northward.

How does English sparkling wine compare to Champagne?

Both use the traditional method (méthode traditionnelle), where secondary fermentation takes place in the bottle to create the bubbles. English sparkling wines typically show a similar fine mousse, high acidity and toasty complexity. The key differences are: English wines tend toward slightly more pronounced green apple and citrus fruit, reflecting the cooler ripening conditions; Champagne often shows a broader spectrum of toasty, biscuity notes from extended lees ageing. For more on how method creates style, see Red, white, rosé and sparkling methods.

Which English producers should I look for?

WineTheGuide does not endorse specific producers. For independent critical assessments, Decanter and Jancis Robinson MW both publish regular English wine reviews. Wine GB maintains a producer directory.

What is the legal status of English wine — is there an appellation?

English and Welsh wines have protected designation of origin (PDO) status under UK law post-Brexit. The "English Wine" PDO requires grapes to be grown and wine to be produced in England. Individual counties do not yet have their own PDOs, though this is under discussion. Wine GB is the trade body representing English and Welsh producers. The regional structure is much simpler than Champagne's commune-level hierarchy. See the Appellations explained guide for how PDOs work.